So I have begun the new project and have decided to use a documentary style again. For this one I want to look at life inside a middle class estate and see if people’s evolved views of the class system is the same as what it actually is. Bill Owens has proved to be influential in the previous project and will also be more relevant with this one. Having discovered his Suburbia collection last year, it has not been until now that he has proved to be one of the most influential resources in my work. Last year I must admit I was a little lost in the large world of photography but seem to have found enthusiasm through documentary photography.
Suburbia Is one of Owens’ most famous collections. He socially documented the lives of people in Suburban California in the 1970s. As oppose to other photographers of the time, Bill Owens planned events he wanted to photograph; Thanksgiving, Christmas, Fourth of July and birthdays (Bill Owens, Art A Go Go). The series demonstrates more than just these events as can be seen from the images displayed either side using black and white film due to the time period. Alongside these images, Owens has included short synopsises to allow the viewer to further understand the meaning of the images and become easier to relate to.
The subjects used in the images show a range of ages and activities that link to the theme of family life. Not only were there celebrations, but there were also those with children playing or even just relaxing around the home.
The fashions seen in Owens’ photographs are the same fashions seen in ads directed to contemporary youth. With suburban areas hosting for the middle class and the images being taken both of the interior and exterior of the properties, many of the materialistic items size of; properties, cars and toys reflect the overall conditions of living in these areas.
Hannah Rooney Photography 